Motorists in Berkshire stopped in horse road safety clampdown
Drivers 'educated' over the way they overtake horses
Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Joint Operations Roads Policing Road Safety Unit, in partnership with the British Horse Society, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Road Safety Team carried out a close pass operation near Maidenhead.
Riders from the Police Mounted Section were fitted with cameras to record motorists overtaking them. If they were too close or driving to quickly then an officer on a motorcycle would pull them over and advise them on how to pass more safely in the future.
Overtaking horses safely is important in maintaining the safety of all road users. Horses can spook easily and if spooked by a passing vehicle they could cause a danger to other road users as well as the horse and rider.
In total, 13 cars were stopped, nine of which were for passing too quickly or too closely to the horse and rider.
Road Safety Officer, PC Liz Johnson, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing, Road Safety Unit, said:
“In order to overtake a horse you must allow at least two metres for safety should the horse move sideways, as well as passing them at no more than 15 mph.
“A couple of drivers today were caught out by driving too fast around bends which concealed horses approaching in the opposite direction. Remember to always be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear.
“Everybody we spoke to was very positive with the engagement and did not realise the consequences of their actions. These drivers have now been educated and will be more aware of how to drive safely near horses in the future.
“If there is horse manure on the roads, then there is a good chance of meeting a horse and rider, please slow down, give enough space and share the roads safely.”